According to the August 2007 issue of "Teaching in Higher Education," Vijay Kumar and Elke Stracke define a thesis as a type of proposition that is meant to be supported and substantiated by a myriad of arguments. Thesis papers, then, can be defined as narratives that contain both the thesis and the arguments that favor the proposition.
An introductory paragraph must contain an introductory sentence, a reference or two, an explanation of the topics that the thesis paper will cover and the thesis statement. The tricky part is capturing all of this information in one paragraph, in a clear and succinct manner. The introduction to a thesis paper also sets the tone for the writing style, and it should be written in a way that captures the reader's attention.
A lot of emphasis is placed on thesis paper introductions because they establish much of what the paper is about, and what the reader can expect to gain from it. Introductions are incredibly important components to a thesis paper. Without them, readers would blindly read through a paper without having any expectations or preparations for what they may find. A well-crafted introduction can make or break a thesis paper. If the introductory paragraph does not support or summarize what the paper is really about, readers may find inconsistencies within the argument, and the thesis could be null.
Thesis paper opening sentences should capture the reader's attention. Sometimes people use quotes as their first sentences, and other times people find an interesting fact to share about the topic of the thesis. The sentences that follow should start to establish the argument, or thesis. If you do not use a reference as the opening sentence, add it to the meat of the introduction here. Finally, state what your thesis is in a manner of confidence. Thesis statements are best written when the writer is sure of the argument that he is making. Last, list how the thesis paper will be structured to support and substantiate the thesis.
Some people find it helpful to create an outline of the thesis paper before they compose the introduction. Others even write the paper first and save the introduction for last; that way they know exactly what to include in the introductory paragraph based on what is already written.